OpenAI raises ChatGPT Custom Instructions limit
OpenAI has expanded the character limit of ChatGPT's Custom Instructions from 1,500 to 5,000 characters for paid plans. The update allows users to define more detailed instructions, system-level rules, and personal background that automatically apply to new chats.
This character cap increase significantly improves the utility of Custom Instructions for power users who want ChatGPT to adhere to complex persona frameworks or extensive development styles without repeating their preferences.
- –The 5,000-character capacity allows for pasting large system prompts, comprehensive coding style guides, or detailed multi-role rules.
- –Restricting the feature extension to paid plans adds a minor but clear incentive for free tier users to upgrade to ChatGPT Pro or higher.
- –A potential drawback is that larger custom instructions consume a bigger portion of the initial context window, increasing prompt token consumption and latency for all new chats.
DISCOVERED
1h ago
2026-07-16
PUBLISHED
1h ago
2026-07-16
RELEVANCE
AUTHOR
ChatGPTapp